Security specialists brace for cyberstorm

Security specialists are scrambling to build defences against a colossal online attack that could bring networks to their knees as virus writers take advantage of a flaw in Microsoft's operating systems. At the same time, the Internet is being hit by a separate attack in which Nazi propagandist virus creators in Germany scheduled today, the 87th anniversary of a precursor to the Nazi party, to trigger a long-dormant virus that could be residing in millions of computers around the world. siehe auch: BSI-Info / Links zu Entfernungssoftware "Sober Worm" Virus Threat, Microsoft warns of threat from new version of 'Sober' worm. Microsoft Corp. released software to protect Windows operating system users from a fresh attack from the "Sober" e-mail worm, timed to begin this week during the 87th anniversary of the Nazi Party's founding, Experts: Next Sober worm on the way, may not do harm. The next variant of the Sober worm is set to attack computers already infected by previous versions of the malware at the stroke of midnight GMT as Jan. 5 turns into Jan. 6, according to European antivirus software vendors. Given that both Internet service providers and local police are closely monitoring Web sites likely to be used in the attack, security experts believe the hacker may choose not to engage in any malicious activity this time around, "Sober" Worm Hits Computers, Could Slow Internet